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JSE:OML

The rand has been among the best-performing currencies globally, gaining around 20% since mid-November. Picture: Shutterstock

The rand firmed on Friday, recouping losses from the previous session as investors continued to bet on the ruling African National Congress (ANC) unseating scandal-plagued President Jacob Zuma in the next few days.

At 1532 GMT, the rand was 0.74% firmer at 12.07 per dollar, having slipped to a three-week trough of 12.2000 overnight. That was just shy of the 12.22 support mark that analysts say may have triggered some technical selling.

“South Africa has held its own, and that’s because of the expectation that Zuma will ousted,” said Peregrine analyst Bianca Botes. “When it does happen, we’ll probably see a big knee-jerk reaction, but it won’t necessarily be sustained below 11.80.”

ANC leader Cyril Ramaphosa pulled out of public events to focus on “pressing matters” on Friday, fuelling speculation that he was making a final push to force Zuma to step down.

Ramaphosa has been lobbying for Zuma to resign and has said he hopes to conclude talks with him over a transition of power “in coming days … in the interests of the country”.

The rand has been among the best-performing currencies globally, gaining around 20% since mid-November, with most of those gains achieved after businessman Cyril Ramaphosa was elected ANC chief in December.